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Depression in soldiers a ‘huge concern,’ says military MD

There have been eight suspected suicides in the Canadian Forces since the beginning of the year but it’s unclear whether they represent a sustained pattern, says the military’s surgeon general

Roughly 7.8 per cent of the military reported episodes of depression prior to the Afghan war, but the numbers are being updated, Brig.-Gen. Jean-Robert Bernier told the all-party House of Commons defence committee on Tuesday. (COLE BURSTON / AFP/GETTY IMAGES file photo)

By Murray BrewsterThe Canadian Press

Tues., April 8, 2014

OTTAWA—There have been eight suspected suicides in the Canadian Armed Forces since the beginning of the year but it’s unclear whether they represent a sustained pattern, says the military’s surgeon general.

Testifying before the all-party House of Commons defence committee on Tuesday, Brig.-Gen. Jean-Robert Bernier noted separately that depression, especially among male Forces members, is double that of the civilian population and represents a “major concern.”

Roughly 7.8 per cent of the military reported episodes of depression prior to the Afghan war, but the numbers are being updated, he added. Medical professionals draw a direct link between instances of depression and suicide.

Much of the public attention in the aftermath of the Afghan war has been focused on post-traumatic stress, which counts depression among its constellation of symptoms.

The military often underscores the resources it has poured into PTSD treatment and research and is quick to say its rate of suicide is below the national average. But underlining that is the extraordinarily high overall amount of depression.

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“We haven’t been able to pin it down specific exposures in military life,” said Bernier. “Although, there are all kinds of increased risk factors for depression because of military service.”

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